NJCounts 2016

All twenty-one New Jersey Counties will be counting individuals and families who were homeless – both sheltered and un-sheltered - on the night of Tuesday, January 26, 2016.This annual census is conducted by networks of organizations, agencies and others that plan community efforts to end homelessness and is coordinated by Monarch Housing on the statewide level.

The goal of the first Annual Homeless Sabbath is to engage as many congregations of all faiths to include readings in their service(s) held on December 16th, 17th and 18th, 2016, at their respective house of worship. Click here to register online to participate.

No one wants to be homeless

Homeless Myth: True or False

Myth 8: Homeless people don’t work and are lazy.

It is not true that homeless people do not want to work.

Many individuals and families are homeless because of a economic, health or relationship crisis and not by choice. In fact, in 2010, 14% of individuals experiencing homelessness in New Jersey (HMIS data) reported that they were currently working and an additional 6% were collecting unemployment benefits.

And for those experiencing homelessness who are working, New Jersey is a very difficult to find an affordable apartment in New Jersey. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s 2010 Out of Reach Report, in order to afford rent and utilities, without paying more than 30% of income on housing, a household must earn $4,215/month or $50,577/year.

Assuming a 40-hour work week, 52 weeks/year, this level of income translates into a Housing Wage of $24.32. And as we know, there are many full time jobs that do not pay that high of a wage.

Employment training and education are critical support services to provide to those experiencing homelessness. In Connecticut, the HomeWORK Project, coordinated by the Corporation for Supportive Housing, assists supportive housing providers with removing barriers and connecting their supportive housing tenants to employment. Click here to read more about HomeWORK.